Article Fashion

Corsets and Waist Reduction

By wearing a tightly-laced corset for extended periods—a practice known as tightlacing—men and women can learn to tolerate extreme waist constriction and reduce their natural waist size. Tightlacers usually aim for 40 to 43 centimetres (16 to 17 inch) waists. The Guinness Book of World Records records two instances of women reducing to 15 inch waists: Ethel Granger and Cathie Jung. Other women
such as Polaire
also claim to have achieved such reductions.

These are extreme cases. Corsets were and are usually designed for support
with freedom of body movement an important consideration in their design. Present day corset-wearers usually tighten the corset just enough to reduce waists to dimensions that range from 18 to 24 inches.

Corsets and Corset Comfort

Moderate corset lacing is not incompatible with vigorous activity. In fact
during the late nineteenth century
when corset wearing was common
there were sport corsets specifically designed to wear while bicycling
playing tennis
or horseback riding
as well as for maternity wear.

Many people now believe that all corsets are uncomfortable and that wearing them restricts womens' lives
citing Victorian literature devoted to sensible or hygienic dress. However
these writings were most apt to protest against the misuse of corsets for tightlacing; they were less vehement against corsets per se. Many reformers recommended "Emancipation bodices"
which were essentially tightly-fitted vests
like full-torso corsets without boning.

Most modern day corset-wearers will testify that corsets can be comfortable
once one is accustomed to wearing them. A well fitted corset should be very comfortable. Women active in the Society for Creative Anachronism and historical re-enactment groups commonly wear corsets as part of period costume
without complaint.